Oregon identified as a leader in the U.S. manufacturing resurgence

Press Release

Today Oregon was identified as a leader in the manufacturing resurgence in the United States, after Area Development magazine looked at the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics' rankings, including manufacturing as a percentage of Gross State Product, where Oregon ranks first in the nation.

"Oregonians are making amazing products," said Governor Kitzhaber in response to the article. "This is how economic recovery happens. Manufacturing is the backbone to Oregon's economy, and we'll continue to develop and improve our manufacturing environment so companies can keep making innovative products for the globe right here in Oregon."

"From high-tech to food processing, the number of Oregonians employed in manufacturing is 10 percent and growing," said Tim McCabe, director of Business Oregon. "Making high-quality products for the entire world is one of our state's greatest economic strengths, and is putting Oregonians to work."

Manufacturing represented 28.7 percent of Oregon's GSP in 2011. The article presents the top states that are contributing to the national economic recovery, identifying their shared traits as "a diversified manufacturing base, positive business climate, flexible incentive packages, outstanding work force development programs, and highly proactive local and state governments that support manufacturing."

The Area Development article also highlights the recent American Institute for Economic Research study recognizing Oregon as the best state in the nation for manufacturing.